Course Essentials

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It is essential that students and parents understand the expectations for joining band or color guard. Being a member of the Stingray Band consists of participating in both the marching and concert band seasons. Being a member of the Stingray Color Guard consists of participating in both the marching season and concert season (indoor color guard, also known as winter guard).
   

 In Hillsborough County, band and eurhythmics are co-curricular courses. This means that students are graded during AND after school hours. 

• Members are required to attend all out-of-school and class rehearsals. 
• Members are also required to participate in all concerts and out-of-school performances. 

We're often asked what genre of music we play. But it's hard to put us in a box. We draw inspiration from a wide range of genres, from classic rock to alternative to indie. Our sound is dynamic and always evolving. The students learn music theory, how to train their ears, and so much more. 

Any student of Sumner High School (SHS) may be a member of the SHS Stingray Band Program under the following stipulations: 

• 1. Must be legally registered for Band 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 (Instrumental Ensemble for percussionists) or Eurhythmics (for color guard) within the regular school day schedule. 
• 2. Must maintain an acceptable 2.0 grade point average to be eligible to participate in outside-of-school activities. (Per Hillsborough County School Board) 
• 3. Must accept financial responsibilities for instrument, equipment, uniform, cleaning, and travel charges. 
• 4. Must meet minimum performance/audition standards set by the Director. 
• 5. Must participate in both the marching and concert band (color guard and winter guard).

ALL STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE A NEW ATHLETIC CLEARANCE EVERY SCHOOL YEAR.

All students participating in Athletics, JROTC, Band, and Band Auxiliary (Color Guard) will be required to complete, submit, and receive verification of clearance prior to being allowed to participate in extracurricular participation at any Hillsborough County Public School. This includes participation in conditioning, tryouts, practice, contests, and approved off-season activities.

The application for extracurricular participation will only be submitted electronically and can be found on the Hillsborough County Public Schools Athletics Department website at:

https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/list/athletics/student-forms/39-285/

or can be directly accessed on the Florida High School Athletic Association Athletic Clearance website: https://athleticclearance.fhsaahome.org/

 (All students must be cleared by the Assistant Principal of Administration.) 

BAND AUXILIARY

(Flags, Rifles, Sabers, Dance, Winter Guard) - Activated in May 

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Signatures

• a. General Information (Medical Release)
• b. EL3 & EL2 (Physical Exam)
• c. Title IX and Inappropriate Sexual Behavior Document

2. Uploads

• a. FHSAA Concussion Video Certificate
• b. FHSAA Heat Illness Certificate
• c. FHSAA Sudden Cardiac Arrest Certificate
• d. Government Issued Photo ID

MARCHING BAND

(Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion, Drum Majors) - Activated in May

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Signatures

• a. General Information (Medical Release)
• b. Title IX and Inappropriate Sexual Behavior Document

2. Uploads

• a. FHSAA Concussion Video Certificate
• b. FHSAA Heat Illness Certificate
• c. FHSAA Sudden Cardiac Arrest Certificate
• d. Government Issued Photo ID

NOTE: Government Issued Photo ID are only used for signature purposes only.

Band and color guard fees are financial obligations that each student will be responsible for paying to help defray the expense of participating in the required trips, performances, and competitions. Current fee amounts are listed in the Band Handbook. These are set per school year and should ideally be paid in full prior to band camp. Uniform and/or instrument rentals may also be costs to consider. 

Each student has their own financial account for band/guard participation. All money is managed by the Sumner High School Performing Arts Boosters which is an IRS recognized non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We conduct all business and fundraisers under those regulations.

While we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, it's essential to keep financial obligations up to date to ensure the smooth operation of the band and to uphold our commitment to providing an enriching musical experience for all students.

For marching band rehearsals, students are graded on preparation and participation. They should:

• be on time for the start of rehearsal, 
• have their drill, 
• have their show music, 
• have their instrument & accessories,
• have their half-gallon BLUE water jug filled, 
• be wearing the proper lightweight attire,
• have a white hand towel,
• have sun protection ( eg. sunglasses, hat, sunscreen),
• have lyre & Flip Folder for cell phone, and
• have black 3-ring binder and pencil. 

The Hillsborough County music programs have moved to a parent/student information site called CutTime. This filesharing site is for current band/guard students and their parents to remain informed of timely program updates and financial account status. 

• You will receive a text message that says "Revaé
  Douglas Ross at Sumner High School Band &
  Orchestra has sent you a link to log in to CutTime
  Sumner High School Band & Orchestra uses
  CutTime to help you stay up-to-date on your
  program announcements and events”. If you don't see this text, be sure to email Mrs. Ross with your name and cell phone number.
• Review calendar, update personal information,
  volunteer for upcoming events, and review
  financial account.

Band families will also stay connected through real-time messaging via the BAND App. Band/guard students, their parents, and band program administration have all been provided links to download and begin using the app starting in the 2024-2025 school year. 

 If you encounter any issues logging in to your CutTime account or Band App, click below to report the concern. 

Get involved. We have a lot of fun here. Parental involvement is a vital aspect to the success of band organizations. The Sumner High School Band Boosters were established to assist the band director and band program in any way they can. Consider there are several ways in which you can get involved with band operations.

"Remember many hands make light work. The more people that help the less any one person has to carry. A little goes a long way." 

Some of the ways the Band Boosters support the program are chaperoning events, helping to secure funds for instrument/equipment replacement and repair, uniform replacement and upkeep, and providing venues to award individual and group accomplishments. Please refer to the “Band Booster” folder on CutTime under the Files/Documents tab for useful links. Please send a message for the Booster Board if you would like to volunteer or if you have any volunteering questions.

The Band Boosters make sure the band has a pre-game meal together before each football game. It's the Sumner way. Our food coordinator requests meal donations from local restaurants and organizes food and supply pickup. 

Prior to rehearsals, students should eat a well-balanced meal consisting of protein, starches, and vegetables. Please limit excessive sugar, salt and grease intake. Avoid fried or processed foods and carbonated beverages. Students must be well-hydrated throughout the day. 

Hillsborough County school buses and occasional charter buses are used for band travel. 

• The Sumner High School band travels frequently during the year, in county, out-of-county, and occasionally out of state. Trip fees pay the cost of transportation and lodging. In the event of an overnight trip, a detailed itinerary will be distributed to all students and parents. 
• All Hillsborough County, Sumner High School, and Sumner Stingray Band policies are in effect for the duration of the trip. We will be representing ourselves, Sumner High School Band, Sumner High School, the city of Riverview, Hillsborough County, and the State of Florida whenever we step off the bus; we will all do our best to maintain the highest of standards.

Students should practice their routine and/or with their instrument every day. Parents and Guardians, if you do not hear your student practicing at least 30 minutes per day, then they are not reinforcing (and likely not retaining) the skills being covered in class and at rehearsals. Please help your student honor their practice pledge.